InMaricopahttp://www.inmaricopa.com
Maricopa's daily news and information source since 2004Fri, 18 Aug 2017 00:43:35 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.1Mostly dry weekend to precede possible wet start to weekhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/mostly-dry-weekend-mariocpa/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/mostly-dry-weekend-mariocpa/#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 23:09:48 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=198282Skies are likely to remain dry most of the weekend, according to reports from the National Weather Service. While daily highs are likely to hang between 101-103, lows could dip down as far as 75 at night. Today looks to be sunny and clear with a high around 102 during the day and a low near 75 at night. Friday will likely be sunny and mostly clear with a high temperature around 103 during the day and a low near 77 at night. Saturday should also see sunny and mostly clear skies with a high around 103 during the day and a low near 78 at night. Sunday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a 20-percent chance of rain in the late afternoon and evening, a high around 103 during the day and a low near 79 at night. Monday will likely see a high around 101 during the day and a low near 78 at night with a 10-percent chance of rain throughout the evening.]]>

Skies are likely to remain dry most of the weekend, according to reports from the National Weather Service. While daily highs are likely to hang between 101-103, lows could dip down as far as 75 at night.

Today looks to be sunny and clear with a high around 102 during the day and a low near 75 at night.

Friday will likely be sunny and mostly clear with a high temperature around 103 during the day and a low near 77 at night.

Saturday should also see sunny and mostly clear skies with a high around 103 during the day and a low near 78 at night.

Sunday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a 20-percent chance of rain in the late afternoon and evening, a high around 103 during the day and a low near 79 at night.

Monday will likely see a high around 101 during the day and a low near 78 at night with a 10-percent chance of rain throughout the evening.

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Mason Callejas Maricopan charged with strangulation after fight with girlfriendhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/maricopan-charged-with-strangulation-after-fight-with-girlfriend/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/maricopan-charged-with-strangulation-after-fight-with-girlfriend/#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 21:42:30 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=197879A Maricopa man was arrested on strangulation charges after allegedly choking his girlfriend during a domestic violence incident Sunday. A Maricopa Police Department report states Jeremy Dean Osife, 40, was taken into custody by MPD around 7 p.m. Aug. 13 when officers who had responded to the home for an unrelated incident were informed of the alleged strangulation. The incident, the report stated, took place when Osife and his girlfriend began to argue and then retreated to an upstairs bathroom to “argue away from the kids.” Osife then allegedly prevented his girlfriend from leaving the bathroom by placing his hand on the front of her neck and shoving her, causing her to break a ceramic bowl as she attempted to stay on her feet. The daughter of Osife’s girlfriend took photos of the marks left on her neck by the alleged choking. When questioned, Osife allegedly denied becoming physically violent with his girlfriend, though he could not explain how she received the marks on her neck. Osife has been charged with aggravated assault involving strangulation, a class 4 felony. If convicted he could face 4-8 years in prison.]]>

A Maricopa man was arrested on strangulation charges after allegedly choking his girlfriend during a domestic violence incident Sunday.

A Maricopa Police Department report states Jeremy Dean Osife, 40, was taken into custody by MPD around 7 p.m. Aug. 13 when officers who had responded to the home for an unrelated incident were informed of the alleged strangulation.

The incident, the report stated, took place when Osife and his girlfriend began to argue and then retreated to an upstairs bathroom to “argue away from the kids.”

Osife then allegedly prevented his girlfriend from leaving the bathroom by placing his hand on the front of her neck and shoving her, causing her to break a ceramic bowl as she attempted to stay on her feet.

The daughter of Osife’s girlfriend took photos of the marks left on her neck by the alleged choking.

When questioned, Osife allegedly denied becoming physically violent with his girlfriend, though he could not explain how she received the marks on her neck.

Osife has been charged with aggravated assault involving strangulation, a class 4 felony. If convicted he could face 4-8 years in prison.

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Mason Callejas Zephyr railcar on track for new homehttp://www.inmaricopa.com/zephyr-railcar-on-track-for-new-home/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/zephyr-railcar-on-track-for-new-home/#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 20:07:38 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=197266A Maricopa icon was moved one step closer toward its new home Tuesday at the Maricopa City Council Meeting. Council approved a measure which will guarantee $240,000 in relocation funds for the Zephyr railcar, which is to be moved as part of the State Route 347 Union Pacific Rail Road Overpass project. The money was granted to the city by Pinal County as part of its contribution to the overpass project and will go to a contract awarded to Caliente Construction Incorporated to provide “preconstruction and construction services for the California Zephyr Relocation.” The Maricopa Historical Society, with the hopes of turning the railcar into an operational museum of Maricopa history, took control of the Zephyr in July after purchasing it from the county for a symbolic $1. Though the icon is not in the direct path of the overpass, it would end up so close to the grade separation that the historical society and the county decided the best option would be relocation. Maricopa Historical Society President Paul Shirk said there are a few places they would like to move the Zephyr, but nothing is set in stone. When pressed on a likely home for the railcar, Shirk said he didn’t want to jinx it. Possible areas mentioned at past historical society meetings include Edison Road near the proposed Estrella Gin Business Park, and a much closer location, just across Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway from its current home, in the Heritage District.]]>

A Maricopa icon was moved one step closer toward its new home Tuesday at the Maricopa City Council Meeting.

Council approved a measure which will guarantee $240,000 in relocation funds for the Zephyr railcar, which is to be moved as part of the State Route 347 Union Pacific Rail Road Overpass project.

The money was granted to the city by Pinal County as part of its contribution to the overpass project and will go to a contract awarded to Caliente Construction Incorporated to provide “preconstruction and construction services for the California Zephyr Relocation.”

The Maricopa Historical Society, with the hopes of turning the railcar into an operational museum of Maricopa history, took control of the Zephyr in July after purchasing it from the county for a symbolic $1.

Though the icon is not in the direct path of the overpass, it would end up so close to the grade separation that the historical society and the county decided the best option would be relocation.

Maricopa Historical Society President Paul Shirk said there are a few places they would like to move the Zephyr, but nothing is set in stone. When pressed on a likely home for the railcar, Shirk said he didn’t want to jinx it.

Possible areas mentioned at past historical society meetings include Edison Road near the proposed Estrella Gin Business Park, and a much closer location, just across Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway from its current home, in the Heritage District.

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Mason Callejas Bus driver accused of hitting vehiclehttp://www.inmaricopa.com/bus-driver-accused-of-hitting-vehicle/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/bus-driver-accused-of-hitting-vehicle/#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 19:37:38 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=197085The issues for the Maricopa Unified School District Transportation Department continued this week. The Maricopa Police Department cited an MUSD school bus driver Wednesday for “failure to control speed to avoid a collision” after hitting another vehicle. “The bus was turning left onto Honeycutt Road from SR 347 and clipped the front of the vehicle that was sitting there to turn north onto John Wayne Parkway,” said MPD spokesman Ricardo Alvarado. The bus driver reportedly continued east on Honeycutt Road after the accident, later telling MPD he did not know he hit the vehicle, Alvarado said. A witness followed the bus to the transportation department building on Honeycutt Road and called MPD. Alvarado said damage to the vehicle hit by the bus is unknown, but the report did note the vehicle was towed from the scene. The report stated the driver of the vehicle declined medical treatment. “The bus, once it was located at the bus barn, had a white scuff mark to the tire,” Alvarado said. MUSD Human Resources Director Tom Beckett, who oversees the transportation department, said the district reported the accident to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the driver will undergo a drug and alcohol screening, per school board policies. “The driver (…) will have a court date in September,” Beckett said. “The driver has been reassigned pending the outcome of the court’s decision.” ]]>

The issues for the Maricopa Unified School District Transportation Department continued this week.

The Maricopa Police Department cited an MUSD school bus driver Wednesday for “failure to control speed to avoid a collision” after hitting another vehicle.

“The bus was turning left onto Honeycutt Road from SR 347 and clipped the front of the vehicle that was sitting there to turn north onto John Wayne Parkway,” said MPD spokesman Ricardo Alvarado.

The bus driver reportedly continued east on Honeycutt Road after the accident, later telling MPD he did not know he hit the vehicle, Alvarado said.

A witness followed the bus to the transportation department building on Honeycutt Road and called MPD.

Alvarado said damage to the vehicle hit by the bus is unknown, but the report did note the vehicle was towed from the scene.

The report stated the driver of the vehicle declined medical treatment.

“The bus, once it was located at the bus barn, had a white scuff mark to the tire,” Alvarado said.

MUSD Human Resources Director Tom Beckett, who oversees the transportation department, said the district reported the accident to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the driver will undergo a drug and alcohol screening, per school board policies.

“The driver (…) will have a court date in September,” Beckett said. “The driver has been reassigned pending the outcome of the court’s decision.”

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Staff Reports City staff earn Awards of Excellencehttp://www.inmaricopa.com/city-staff-earn-awards-of-excellence/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/city-staff-earn-awards-of-excellence/#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 01:51:58 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=191855The City of Maricopa presented Awards of Excellence to outstanding employees during Tuesday’s regular meeting of the council. Non-Manager Daranne Tacker, Smartgov System Analyst “Since her re-hire more than a year ago with the City, Daranne has tackled her position with a vengeance, learning a new system, training co-workers, studying for certifications, all while displaying excellent customer service. Daranne is always courteous and patient with customers who come into City Hall as well as on the phone. Her service to the public, dedication, hard work, and contributions to the SmartGov program are an asset to Development Services and the positive image she portrays for the City of Maricopa.” Mid-Management Adriana Carpio, Deputy City Clerk “Adriana is an exceptional employee worthy of this award. She provides exceptional customer service to both our internal and external customers. She is very reliable and dependable. She always helps everyone with a positive attitude, a smile on her face and most importantly for our department, with high ethical standards. Adriana is committed to the job, the organization and the community and I am honored to nominate her for this award. She is a true asset to the City Clerk’s Office and most importantly, the City of Maricopa.” Part-Time Robert Eberwein, Maintenance Worker “Robert takes on a great deal of responsibility as a p/t staff member. He keeps the pool up and running over the weekends. Because of his construction background, Robert takes on minor construction, painting and remodeling projects at Copper Sky Facilities during off hours allowing minimal interruption to members and park patrons. If park maintenance staff is shorthanded on Sundays, Robert has no problems jumping in a helping with trash & litter, getting ballfields prepped and/or Ramada’s ready for a rental. Robert has a great attitude about his work, Copper Sky and the City. If any issues arise, Robert’s knowledge and quick learning skills has made him the go-to person on Sundays.” Public Safety Josh Eads, Fire Engineer (Not Present) “Josh has demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication in helping the Fire Department with public safety awareness and wildland firefighting. Josh Eads has been involved with the Fire Pal organization since its inception in 2009. Since then he has been appointed program coordinator and has chaired the position since 2012. During his tenure, the Fire-Pals program has expanded to all public and private schools within the City. He was also successful in implementing Water Safety Week for first graders using a curriculum provided by the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. As Chair and coordinator for the Wildland Urban Interface program, Engineer Eads is responsible for in-house training, outfitting, and state compliance of our 13 wildland firefighters.”]]>

The City of Maricopa presented Awards of Excellence to outstanding employees during Tuesday’s regular meeting of the council.

Non-ManagerDaranne Tacker, Smartgov System Analyst

“Since her re-hire more than a year ago with the City, Daranne has tackled her position with a vengeance, learning a new system, training co-workers, studying for certifications, all while displaying excellent customer service. Daranne is always courteous and patient with customers who come into City Hall as well as on the phone. Her service to the public, dedication, hard work, and contributions to the SmartGov program are an asset to Development Services and the positive image she portrays for the City of Maricopa.”

Mid-ManagementAdriana Carpio, Deputy City Clerk

“Adriana is an exceptional employee worthy of this award. She provides exceptional customer service to both our internal and external customers. She is very reliable and dependable. She always helps everyone with a positive attitude, a smile on her face and most importantly for our department, with high ethical standards. Adriana is committed to the job, the organization and the community and I am honored to nominate her for this award. She is a true asset to the City Clerk’s Office and most importantly, the City of Maricopa.”

Part-TimeRobert Eberwein, Maintenance Worker

“Robert takes on a great deal of responsibility as a p/t staff member. He keeps the pool up and running over the weekends. Because of his construction background, Robert takes on minor construction, painting and remodeling projects at Copper Sky Facilities during off hours allowing minimal interruption to members and park patrons. If park maintenance staff is shorthanded on Sundays, Robert has no problems jumping in a helping with trash & litter, getting ballfields prepped and/or Ramada’s ready for a rental. Robert has a great attitude about his work, Copper Sky and the City. If any issues arise, Robert’s knowledge and quick learning skills has made him the go-to person on Sundays.”

Public SafetyJosh Eads, Fire Engineer (Not Present)

“Josh has demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication in helping the Fire Department with public safety awareness and wildland firefighting. Josh Eads has been involved with the Fire Pal organization since its inception in 2009. Since then he has been appointed program coordinator and has chaired the position since 2012. During his tenure, the Fire-Pals program has expanded to all public and private schools within the City. He was also successful in implementing Water Safety Week for first graders using a curriculum provided by the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. As Chair and coordinator for the Wildland Urban Interface program, Engineer Eads is responsible for in-house training, outfitting, and state compliance of our 13 wildland firefighters.”

Robert Eberwein, Employee Award of Excellence. Photo by Jonathan Williams

Josh Eads

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inMaricopa Getting to know Rhonda Thomhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/getting-to-know-rhonda-thom/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/getting-to-know-rhonda-thom/#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 01:18:02 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=191737Rhonda Thom brings her unique personality to a new venture in Maricopa. The die-hard football fan combines her talents in photography and painting at Faux Picasso. Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska. GO BIG RED!!! Maricopan since: 2013 Occupation: Photographer/artist for private painting parties Family: I have 1 son my oldest, and 3 daughters. Toddlers and teenagers, I need my own reality show. Pets: 2 Dogs, Cocoa and Princess Cars: I am Rhonda, I drive a Honda… Who knew that joke in grade school would be reality! Hobbies: Painting, drawing, art photography….wait I have 4 KIDS, dream hobby’s! Pet peeve: People who pass in the slow lane Dream vacation: ANYWHERE beach. Like most about Maricopa: It’s small town feel yet close enough to the city action Like least about Maricopa: The drive to get here Favorite … Charity: Feed My Starving Children Book: I am more of an online reader Movie: Gone with the Wind Actor: I have so many, Jennifer Anniston and Anna Kendrick Song: Rock On, Tucker Beathard Musician: Garth Brooks Team: Huskers, Chiefs fan here Food: Mexican Drink: Water Meal: Tacos Restaurant: My Kitchen, Raceway has really good carne asada tacos Getaway: San Diego….BEACH Website: www.fauxpicasso.com Quote: Be careful with your words, they can only be forgiven, not forgotten Words to live by: Treat everyone how you wish to be treated. Joke: Instead of calling my toilet “the John” I call it “the Jim.” That way it sounds better when I say “I’m going to the Jim first thing every morning. Anything else we should know? I grew up in the Midwest. I am a big football fan. I love my Huskers and Chiefs, I miss wearing sweats and hoodies during football season. I have had to upgrade all my gear to short sleeves and tank tops since moving here. l graduated with a degree in photography from MCC Elkhorn. I have had 8 art pieces and photographs in 4 different shows back in Omaha & Lincoln, Nebraska. I have been in Arizona for just about 5 years now, and look forward to building my business in Arizona! Meet more of your Maricopa neighbors at http://www.inmaricopa.com/getting-to-know/]]>

Rhonda Thom brings her unique personality to a new venture in Maricopa. The die-hard football fan combines her talents in photography and painting at Faux Picasso.

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska. GO BIG RED!!!

Maricopan since: 2013

Occupation: Photographer/artist for private painting parties

Family: I have 1 son my oldest, and 3 daughters. Toddlers and teenagers, I need my own reality show.

Pets: 2 Dogs, Cocoa and Princess

Cars: I am Rhonda, I drive a Honda… Who knew that joke in grade school would be reality!

Quote: Be careful with your words, they can only be forgiven, not forgotten

Words to live by: Treat everyone how you wish to be treated.

Joke: Instead of calling my toilet “the John” I call it “the Jim.” That way it sounds better when I say “I’m going to the Jim first thing every morning.

Anything else we should know? I grew up in the Midwest. I am a big football fan. I love my Huskers and Chiefs, I miss wearing sweats and hoodies during football season. I have had to upgrade all my gear to short sleeves and tank tops since moving here. l graduated with a degree in photography from MCC Elkhorn. I have had 8 art pieces and photographs in 4 different shows back in Omaha & Lincoln, Nebraska. I have been in Arizona for just about 5 years now, and look forward to building my business in Arizona!

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inMaricopa Maricopan’s designs on CAC textbookshttp://www.inmaricopa.com/maricopans-designs-on-cac-textbooks/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/maricopans-designs-on-cac-textbooks/#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 00:26:04 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=191466Two new Central Arizona College textbooks feature a Maricopa woman’s digital artwork on their covers. Taylor Slaughter is a graphic-design major at the Signal Peak campus at CAC. She recently won a cover-design contest held by the school. A magpie, constructed of various geometric shapes, is the main subject on the front of the English texts. Slaughter chose the bird because of what it represents. “The magpie symbolizes knowledge,” Slaughter said. “It’s flying up to suggest the upward movement of a student.” Slaughter has seen her own ascension, both in academics and her chosen career field. She began taking graphic-design classes as an upperclassman at Maricopa High School before graduating in 2013. Slaughter continued teaching herself design before eventually enrolling in the graphic-design program at CAC in 2015. One month ago, while still a student of design, Slaughter was promoted to a full-time graphic artist at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center after working various managerial positions at the theater for the past five years. Susan Tatterson, chair of the CAC Creative Arts Division, has taught Slaughter graphic design for the past two and a half years. “She is incredibly hard-working; she does so much hard work outside of the classroom,” Tatterson said. “Her desire to succeed is very strong.” Through the CAC graphic-design program, Slaughter plans to transfer to the Polytechnic campus at Arizona State University after graduation. Ultimately, Slaughter said she wants to open her own design firm. “I would be able to do graphic design and photography, and then my boyfriend is learning web design, so he could do that half of it, and we would have our own little company,” Slaughter said. The growing design program at CAC will be offered at its San Tan campus this semester for the first time. However, Tatterson said it is too soon to tell when courses might be offered in Maricopa.]]>

Two new Central Arizona College textbooks feature a Maricopa woman’s digital artwork on their covers.

Taylor Slaughter is a graphic-design major at the Signal Peak campus at CAC. She recently won a cover-design contest held by the school.

A magpie, constructed of various geometric shapes, is the main subject on the front of the English texts. Slaughter chose the bird because of what it represents.

Slaughter has seen her own ascension, both in academics and her chosen career field.

She began taking graphic-design classes as an upperclassman at Maricopa High School before graduating in 2013. Slaughter continued teaching herself design before eventually enrolling in the graphic-design program at CAC in 2015.

One month ago, while still a student of design, Slaughter was promoted to a full-time graphic artist at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center after working various managerial positions at the theater for the past five years.

Designs by Taylor Slaughter

Susan Tatterson, chair of the CAC Creative Arts Division, has taught Slaughter graphic design for the past two and a half years.

“She is incredibly hard-working; she does so much hard work outside of the classroom,” Tatterson said. “Her desire to succeed is very strong.”

Through the CAC graphic-design program, Slaughter plans to transfer to the Polytechnic campus at Arizona State University after graduation.

Ultimately, Slaughter said she wants to open her own design firm.

“I would be able to do graphic design and photography, and then my boyfriend is learning web design, so he could do that half of it, and we would have our own little company,” Slaughter said.

The growing design program at CAC will be offered at its San Tan campus this semester for the first time. However, Tatterson said it is too soon to tell when courses might be offered in Maricopa.

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Michelle Chance Mayor, councilmembers denounce ‘hate’ in wake of Charlottesvillehttp://www.inmaricopa.com/mayor-councilmembers-denounce-hate-in-wake-of-charlottesville/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/mayor-councilmembers-denounce-hate-in-wake-of-charlottesville/#commentsWed, 16 Aug 2017 23:41:11 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=191196 Members of the Maricopa City Council and local clergy offered their thoughts and condolences Tuesday to those affected by the violence that erupted over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, after a clash between white supremacists and counter-protestors turned violent, claiming the life of one counter-protestor. During a regular meeting of the council, the speakers acknowledge the tragedy that occurred when counter-protestors challenged the “alt-right” demonstrators in the streets of Charlottesville Aug. 12, and one white nationalist, drove his car into the crowd killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer and injuring 19 others. During his invocation, Family Life Pastor Ben Gores from the Maricopa Church of Celebration recognized the impact the incident had on the state of socio-political affairs in the country. “We know that there are so many that are hurting and suffering and scared,” Gores prayed. “[God] bring healing where there is suffering, for where there is fear that you [God] bring peace, and for where there is anger and bitterness that you [God] bring forgiveness.” Gores went on to invoke the ideas of Ghandi, saying, “We want to be the change we see in the world,” and praying for God to “help us love our neighbors as we love ourselves.” Mayor Christian Price, in his bi-weekly report, echoed Gores, reiterating an anecdote he had heard regarding another mayor who, when asked by the residents of his community what they could do to help their city, responded by saying, “I need you to be better neighbors.” “Though we are all different, and we all have our different backgrounds, and we all have our different perspectives and political beliefs,” Price added in his own words, “[in] being a better neighbor, you kind of put that aside and look at each other for the right ways and the right reasons, and I hope that we can do more of that.” The city of Maricopa, Price said, for the most part, “does a good job of that,” though at the same time he acknowledged “we all have room for improvement.” Overall, he said, he was grateful and appreciative his city has embraced its diverse demographics, and he hopes Maricopa, and the world, can learn from the incident. “It is a sad tragedy that we go through, but I hope that we learn from those tragedies and that we put in place what it means in our own lives, what it means to be a good neighbor and a better servant, one to another,” Price said. Councilmember Julia Gusse spoke plainly, saying there is no room for bigotry in Maricopa. “It is important that we show to the people of Maricopa, that we do not tolerate hate,” Gusse said. Councilmember Henry Wade reiterated Gusse’s words, stressing, “We do not tolerate hate.” He also acknowledged his pride in leading such a diverse community, but said such faith is a two-way street. “I also want you to understand that just as you put trust in me to represent you as your councilman, I put a lot of love in you to be the kind of city that I want to be a councilman in,” Wade said. See letter to the editor from Councilmember Wade White supremacist demonstrators, including members of the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and other white nationalists, organized the rally in Charlottesville to protest the removal of a monument to Confederate General Robert E. Lee. According to NBC reports, 20-year-old James Alex Fields Jr. has been charged with second-degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and one count related to fleeing the scene of an accident involving an injury after allegedly driving his car into a crowd of counter-protestors, killing Heyer and injuring others. Fields was photographed the day of the incident standing with the white nationalist organization Vanguard America. President Trump, according to another report by the Associated Press, has been chided by activists and politicians from all ends of the political spectrum, for failing to initially denounce white nationalism by name. He was then further criticized on Tuesday after attempting to place blame on “both sides” of the conflict, and making comparisons between Robert E. Lee and George Washington. The statements have been hailed by the leaders of white nationalist groups as a defense of their ideologies. Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Phoenix on Tuesday, Aug. 22, organized by his re-election campaign. Fox News recently reported Trump has also indicated he may pardon former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio after Arpaio was convicted in July of intentionally violating a court order and racial profiling as a result of his “discriminatory” policing policies. Arpaio faces sentencing for those convictions Oct. 5.]]>

Members of the Maricopa City Council and local clergy offered their thoughts and condolences Tuesday to those affected by the violence that erupted over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, after a clash between white supremacists and counter-protestors turned violent, claiming the life of one counter-protestor.

During a regular meeting of the council, the speakers acknowledge the tragedy that occurred when counter-protestors challenged the “alt-right” demonstrators in the streets of Charlottesville Aug. 12, and one white nationalist, drove his car into the crowd killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer and injuring 19 others.

During his invocation, Family Life Pastor Ben Gores from the Maricopa Church of Celebration recognized the impact the incident had on the state of socio-political affairs in the country.

“We know that there are so many that are hurting and suffering and scared,” Gores prayed. “[God] bring healing where there is suffering, for where there is fear that you [God] bring peace, and for where there is anger and bitterness that you [God] bring forgiveness.”

Gores went on to invoke the ideas of Ghandi, saying, “We want to be the change we see in the world,” and praying for God to “help us love our neighbors as we love ourselves.”

Mayor Christian Price, in his bi-weekly report, echoed Gores, reiterating an anecdote he had heard regarding another mayor who, when asked by the residents of his community what they could do to help their city, responded by saying, “I need you to be better neighbors.”

“Though we are all different, and we all have our different backgrounds, and we all have our different perspectives and political beliefs,” Price added in his own words, “[in] being a better neighbor, you kind of put that aside and look at each other for the right ways and the right reasons, and I hope that we can do more of that.”

The city of Maricopa, Price said, for the most part, “does a good job of that,” though at the same time he acknowledged “we all have room for improvement.” Overall, he said, he was grateful and appreciative his city has embraced its diverse demographics, and he hopes Maricopa, and the world, can learn from the incident.

“It is a sad tragedy that we go through, but I hope that we learn from those tragedies and that we put in place what it means in our own lives, what it means to be a good neighbor and a better servant, one to another,” Price said.

Councilmember Julia Gusse spoke plainly, saying there is no room for bigotry in Maricopa.

“It is important that we show to the people of Maricopa, that we do not tolerate hate,” Gusse said.

Councilmember Henry Wade reiterated Gusse’s words, stressing, “We do not tolerate hate.” He also acknowledged his pride in leading such a diverse community, but said such faith is a two-way street.

“I also want you to understand that just as you put trust in me to represent you as your councilman, I put a lot of love in you to be the kind of city that I want to be a councilman in,” Wade said.

White supremacist demonstrators, including members of the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and other white nationalists, organized the rally in Charlottesville to protest the removal of a monument to Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

According to NBC reports, 20-year-old James Alex Fields Jr. has been charged with second-degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and one count related to fleeing the scene of an accident involving an injury after allegedly driving his car into a crowd of counter-protestors, killing Heyer and injuring others.

Fields was photographed the day of the incident standing with the white nationalist organization Vanguard America.

President Trump, according to another report by the Associated Press, has been chided by activists and politicians from all ends of the political spectrum, for failing to initially denounce white nationalism by name. He was then further criticized on Tuesday after attempting to place blame on “both sides” of the conflict, and making comparisons between Robert E. Lee and George Washington.

The statements have been hailed by the leaders of white nationalist groups as a defense of their ideologies.

Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Phoenix on Tuesday, Aug. 22, organized by his re-election campaign.

Fox News recently reported Trump has also indicated he may pardon former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio after Arpaio was convicted in July of intentionally violating a court order and racial profiling as a result of his “discriminatory” policing policies.

Arpaio faces sentencing for those convictions Oct. 5.

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Mason Callejas MHS drama club members elected to state positionshttp://www.inmaricopa.com/mhs-drama-club-members-elected-to-state-positions/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/mhs-drama-club-members-elected-to-state-positions/#respondWed, 16 Aug 2017 23:08:24 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=191069At the recent Arizona High School Drama Coach Convention, Maricopa High School drama teacher Cynthia Calhoun was elected to be one of two representatives working with the director for the Central Region of Arizona Thespians, which is a state chapter for the Educational Theatre Association and the International Thespian Society. Calhoun’s responsibilities will be to coordinate and organize events, including the regional festival, which qualifies high school students for national competition. Two Maricopa High School students were also elected as Arizona State Thespian Officers: senior Ivie Keene and junior Kjirsten Lemon. These students will work with Calhoun to promote the development of thespians and thespian leaders throughout the state. “This is a huge jump forward for our theatre program,” Calhoun said.]]>

At the recent Arizona High School Drama Coach Convention, Maricopa High School drama teacher Cynthia Calhoun was elected to be one of two representatives working with the director for the Central Region of Arizona Thespians, which is a state chapter for the Educational Theatre Association and the International Thespian Society.

Calhoun’s responsibilities will be to coordinate and organize events, including the regional festival, which qualifies high school students for national competition.

Two Maricopa High School students were also elected as Arizona State Thespian Officers: senior Ivie Keene and junior Kjirsten Lemon. These students will work with Calhoun to promote the development of thespians and thespian leaders throughout the state.

“This is a huge jump forward for our theatre program,” Calhoun said.

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inMaricopa Wade: Where did you go, America?http://www.inmaricopa.com/wade-where-did-you-go-america/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/wade-where-did-you-go-america/#respondWed, 16 Aug 2017 22:33:46 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=190606By Henry Wade As I sit here and ponder what to think about the current state of America’s affairs, I keep going back to the question, Where did you go America? It is very difficult to observe the decimation of our great country into a state of chaos. How did we get to a place where harsh words and angry rhetoric have replaced civil discourse and respectful disagreement? Where did you go America? Why does it seem so simple to dismiss a whole culture and the people that embrace its tenets merely because it is different from your own? Why does it seem so simple to call for and participate in the mistreatment and even death of fellow human beings because of their ethnic background or even skin color? I am not ashamed to say, I AM AFRAID. However, I am not afraid for my life and property but for the safety and future of my children, grandchildren and all young people just beginning to experience life and all that the world has to offer. I am afraid that they will not be able to contribute the full potential and gifts they may be bringing to a world teetering on the edge of destruction. Where did you go America? Even though there are those that feel America has left them behind while others prosper at the jobs and lifestyles they crave, how does one Make America Great Again if one choses to not include America in the process. So, for me, and why I pose the question, “Where Did You Go America?” I will press on through the swamp and continue to stand against those wishing to expunge my ancestors’ heritage and mine. I will continue to unabashedly tout my love and support of the America I chose to defend for 20 years, 24 years ago because, when I am asked, “Where Did America Go?” I want to be able to say that I did not let it go away without doing my part to help make it stay. Will you be able to say the same? God Bless America! Henry Wade is a resident of Maricopa and a member of the city council.]]>

By Henry Wade

As I sit here and ponder what to think about the current state of America’s affairs, I keep going back to the question, Where did you go America?

It is very difficult to observe the decimation of our great country into a state of chaos. How did we get to a place where harsh words and angry rhetoric have replaced civil discourse and respectful disagreement? Where did you go America?

Why does it seem so simple to dismiss a whole culture and the people that embrace its tenets merely because it is different from your own? Why does it seem so simple to call for and participate in the mistreatment and even death of fellow human beings because of their ethnic background or even skin color?

I am not ashamed to say, I AM AFRAID. However, I am not afraid for my life and property but for the safety and future of my children, grandchildren and all young people just beginning to experience life and all that the world has to offer. I am afraid that they will not be able to contribute the full potential and gifts they may be bringing to a world teetering on the edge of destruction.

Where did you go America? Even though there are those that feel America has left them behind while others prosper at the jobs and lifestyles they crave, how does one Make America Great Again if one choses to not include America in the process.

So, for me, and why I pose the question, “Where Did You Go America?” I will press on through the swamp and continue to stand against those wishing to expunge my ancestors’ heritage and mine. I will continue to unabashedly tout my love and support of the America I chose to defend for 20 years, 24 years ago because, when I am asked, “Where Did America Go?” I want to be able to say that I did not let it go away without doing my part to help make it stay.

Will you be able to say the same? God Bless America!

Henry Wade is a resident of Maricopa and a member of the city council.

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inMaricopa Sequoia Pathway on path to accreditationhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/sequoia-pathway-on-path-to-accreditation/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/sequoia-pathway-on-path-to-accreditation/#respondWed, 16 Aug 2017 20:26:34 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=190032Sequoia Pathway Academy is seeking accreditation, school officials said. Mariama Jenkins, a spokesman for accrediting agency AdvancED, said the charter school became a candidate for accreditation in April after first applying in 2014. The school opened in 2009. “We are happy to be partners with AdvancED and will continue finalizing our process,” said District Director Alfonso Alva. A parent of one graduate has said she was surprised to learn Pathway was an nonaccredited school. Danelle Mayfield’s son graduated from the school in May. She heard Pathway was not accredited two months later through a social media post on a community forum. “Since we’ve now found out that Pathway is not an accredited school, my son even told me that if he would have known that, he would’ve gone to Maricopa (High School) to graduate,” Mayfield said. Mayfield pulled her fourth-grade daughter from the school this year and placed her in a Maricopa Unified School District elementary “because of the accreditation status and because of the multiple teachers and administration that [were] leaving Pathway,” she said. Notable administrative changes at the school over the summer included the departure of former high school Principal Nate Lamma and elementary Assistant Principal Aundre Bell. Alva said the school is scheduled to have an accreditation review by AdvancED next spring per policy. Mark Plitzuweit, CEO of Edkey Inc., the parent company over Sequoia Pathway Academy, said although accreditation for K-12 schools is not a requirement, the administration is committed to following through with the rest of the process. “Our graduates are able to continue on into fields of their choosing, even as far back as 2009, as long as they meet either the employment requirements or school entrance requirements,” Plitzuweit said. Graduates from nonaccredited schools still have access to higher learning, although they may have additional steps to complete before acceptance. For example, according to an Arizona State University spokesperson, ASU will accept students who have graduated from a nonaccredited high school, if they meet freshman admission requirements and additional criteria, including: An admissible GED score, or completion of an associate’s degree, or Written confirmation/acknowledgement that the school in question is in progress of seeking accreditation from the state, or Written confirmation/acknowledgement that the state recognizes diplomas from this school. Accredited schools in Maricopa include Legacy Traditional Charter School and Maricopa High School. The purpose of accreditation is to certify an institution has met established standards and assist the school in achieving goals.]]>

Mariama Jenkins, a spokesman for accrediting agency AdvancED, said the charter school became a candidate for accreditation in April after first applying in 2014.

The school opened in 2009.

“We are happy to be partners with AdvancED and will continue finalizing our process,” said District Director Alfonso Alva.

A parent of one graduate has said she was surprised to learn Pathway was an nonaccredited school.

Danelle Mayfield’s son graduated from the school in May. She heard Pathway was not accredited two months later through a social media post on a community forum.

“Since we’ve now found out that Pathway is not an accredited school, my son even told me that if he would have known that, he would’ve gone to Maricopa (High School) to graduate,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield pulled her fourth-grade daughter from the school this year and placed her in a Maricopa Unified School District elementary “because of the accreditation status and because of the multiple teachers and administration that [were] leaving Pathway,” she said.

Notable administrative changes at the school over the summer included the departure of former high school Principal Nate Lamma and elementary Assistant Principal Aundre Bell.

Alva said the school is scheduled to have an accreditation review by AdvancED next spring per policy.

Mark Plitzuweit, CEO of Edkey Inc., the parent company over Sequoia Pathway Academy, said although accreditation for K-12 schools is not a requirement, the administration is committed to following through with the rest of the process.

“Our graduates are able to continue on into fields of their choosing, even as far back as 2009, as long as they meet either the employment requirements or school entrance requirements,” Plitzuweit said.

Graduates from nonaccredited schools still have access to higher learning, although they may have additional steps to complete before acceptance.

For example, according to an Arizona State University spokesperson, ASU will accept students who have graduated from a nonaccredited high school, if they meet freshman admission requirements and additional criteria, including:

An admissible GED score, or

completion of an associate’s degree, or

Written confirmation/acknowledgement that the school in question is in progress of seeking accreditation from the state, or

Written confirmation/acknowledgement that the state recognizes diplomas from this school.

Accredited schools in Maricopa include Legacy Traditional Charter School and Maricopa High School. The purpose of accreditation is to certify an institution has met established standards and assist the school in achieving goals.

]]>http://www.inmaricopa.com/sequoia-pathway-on-path-to-accreditation/feed/0
Michelle Chance Former semi-pro to lead kids basketball camphttp://www.inmaricopa.com/former-semi-pro-to-lead-kids-basketball-camp/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/former-semi-pro-to-lead-kids-basketball-camp/#respondTue, 15 Aug 2017 03:43:41 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=178001Six weeks of basketball training for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade is available in Maricopa starting Aug. 26. Alcurtis Turner of Kids Basketball Association (KBA) is returning to run the camp he started in Maricopa in 2013. He is expecting 20-25 students. He limits it based on the number of volunteer assistants he has available. “The first year I came down, we had 80 kids,” Turner said. “That was too much.” The camp is Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Pacana Park at a rate of $10 per session. “They’ll basically be ball-handling, running, a lot of cardio, passing and shooting,” Turner said. “We end a lot of times on defense. I give them a little motivational speech to try to build their confidence up.” Most players who come to his camps are new to the game, and he’ll be drilling fundamentals for them. “It’s very repetitive,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll switch it up when they get better. You can’t move on to something else until you master what you’ve been learning. Once kids buy into training, it makes it easier for them play in the games.” Turner was a minor-league basketball player, playing street ball well enough to join semi-pro teams in Arizona. He said a lot of parents of would-be basketball players do not know the amount of work and patience required to become good. Participating in the KBA camp is not just about basketball. Players are expected to be involved in Turner’s community service Sundays, doing work like picking up litter or painting over graffiti. “It’s not going to be easy. This is not an overnight process.” Turner said. “It takes time, but they will learn from the best to become the best.” KBAkids.com 480-335-0221 This story appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.]]>

Six weeks of basketball training for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade is available in Maricopa starting Aug. 26.

Alcurtis Turner of Kids Basketball Association (KBA) is returning to run the camp he started in Maricopa in 2013. He is expecting 20-25 students. He limits it based on the number of volunteer assistants he has available.

“The first year I came down, we had 80 kids,” Turner said. “That was too much.”

The camp is Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Pacana Park at a rate of $10 per session.

“They’ll basically be ball-handling, running, a lot of cardio, passing and shooting,” Turner said. “We end a lot of times on defense. I give them a little motivational speech to try to build their confidence up.”

Most players who come to his camps are new to the game, and he’ll be drilling fundamentals for them.

“It’s very repetitive,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll switch it up when they get better. You can’t move on to something else until you master what you’ve been learning. Once kids buy into training, it makes it easier for them play in the games.”

Photo by Dean Crandall

Turner was a minor-league basketball player, playing street ball well enough to join semi-pro teams in Arizona. He said a lot of parents of would-be basketball players do not know the amount of work and patience required to become good.

Participating in the KBA camp is not just about basketball. Players are expected to be involved in Turner’s community service Sundays, doing work like picking up litter or painting over graffiti.

“It’s not going to be easy. This is not an overnight process.” Turner said. “It takes time, but they will learn from the best to become the best.”

]]>http://www.inmaricopa.com/former-semi-pro-to-lead-kids-basketball-camp/feed/0
Raquel Hendrickson Fitness expert: Detecting, avoiding dehydration during workouts http://www.inmaricopa.com/fitness-expert-detecting-avoiding-dehydration-during-workouts/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/fitness-expert-detecting-avoiding-dehydration-during-workouts/#respondTue, 15 Aug 2017 03:38:13 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=177961By Aaron Gilbert When you are well-hydrated and conditions are awesome in your body, various processes preserve fluid and electrolyte balance. If you become dehydrated due to illness, stress, exercise, climate variations, supplements, foods or beverages, life-threatening imbalances may occur – major bummer. Symptoms of dehydration include: thirst dry skin fatigue and weakness increased body temperature muscle cramping headaches nausea dry mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) Severe dehydration can also include: muscle spasms vomiting dark urine vision problems loss of consciousness kidney and liver failure Exercise and Dehydration During exercise, we need more water. The enhanced metabolic rate of muscle contraction requires a larger delivery of nutrients and oxygen along with faster waste and heat removal from the body – water makes this happen. Loss of plasma volume during prolonged exercise by dehydration diminishes performance in part because of the associate reduction in stroke volume and increases in heart rate known as cardiovascular drift. So, to maximize your performance potential while exercising, stay hydrated. If no fluids are going to be consumed during exercise, pre-hydrate with the following regimen: 16 ounces of fluid on the night before exercise 16 ounces of fluid in the morning 16-30 ounces of fluid, 1 hour before exercise 8-16 ounces 20 minutes before exercise While dehydration is a concern, over-hydration or water intoxication is also something to watch for when consuming your fluids. Hyponatremia is a sodium electrolyte disorder that is associated with drinking excessive amounts of water that can result in death. EEK! Don’t be alarmed, cases are rare and you’d have to consume gallons and gallons of water in a relatively short amount of time for it to be a concern. Tips for Avoiding Dehydration: Be aware of thirst cues. For men, an average of 16 cups or 128 ounces of water a day from fluid and non-fluid sources (e.g. fruits and vegetables) is adequate. For women, an average of 11 cups or 88 ounces. Keep in mind there is extreme variability in water needs based on climate and physical activity levels. Consume nutrient-dense foods/beverages after exercise to assist in the re-hydrating process. Those with a history of cramping and “salty sweat” should consider adding salt to foods/beverages after exercising (a quarter to half teaspoon). For every pound of sweat lost during exercise, rehydrate with 2 cups of fluid. Aaron Gilbert, CSCS, is founder/owner of Longevity Athletics. 520-261-4661 Aaron@Longevityathletics.com This column appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.]]>

By Aaron Gilbert

When you are well-hydrated and conditions are awesome in your body, various processes preserve fluid and electrolyte balance. If you become dehydrated due to illness, stress, exercise, climate variations, supplements, foods or beverages, life-threatening imbalances may occur – major bummer.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

thirst

dry skin

fatigue and weakness

increased body temperature

muscle cramping

headaches

nausea

dry mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes)

Severe dehydration can also include:

muscle spasms

vomiting

dark urine

vision problems

loss of consciousness

kidney and liver failure

Exercise and Dehydration

During exercise, we need more water. The enhanced metabolic rate of muscle contraction requires a larger delivery of nutrients and oxygen along with faster waste and heat removal from the body – water makes this happen.

Loss of plasma volume during prolonged exercise by dehydration diminishes performance in part because of the associate reduction in stroke volume and increases in heart rate known as cardiovascular drift. So, to maximize your performance potential while exercising, stay hydrated.

If no fluids are going to be consumed during exercise, pre-hydrate with the following regimen:

16 ounces of fluid on the night before exercise

16 ounces of fluid in the morning

16-30 ounces of fluid, 1 hour before exercise

8-16 ounces 20 minutes before exercise

While dehydration is a concern, over-hydration or water intoxication is also something to watch for when consuming your fluids. Hyponatremia is a sodium electrolyte disorder that is associated with drinking excessive amounts of water that can result in death. EEK! Don’t be alarmed, cases are rare and you’d have to consume gallons and gallons of water in a relatively short amount of time for it to be a concern.

Tips for Avoiding Dehydration:

Be aware of thirst cues.

For men, an average of 16 cups or 128 ounces of water a day from fluid and non-fluid sources (e.g. fruits and vegetables) is adequate.

For women, an average of 11 cups or 88 ounces.

Keep in mind there is extreme variability in water needs based on climate and physical activity levels.

Consume nutrient-dense foods/beverages after exercise to assist in the re-hydrating process.

Those with a history of cramping and “salty sweat” should consider adding salt to foods/beverages after exercising (a quarter to half teaspoon).

For every pound of sweat lost during exercise, rehydrate with 2 cups of fluid.

Aaron Gilbert, CSCS, is founder/owner of Longevity Athletics.

520-261-4661

Aaron@Longevityathletics.com

This column appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.

]]>http://www.inmaricopa.com/fitness-expert-detecting-avoiding-dehydration-during-workouts/feed/0
Raquel Hendrickson Seniors: Understanding, finding resources for dementiahttp://www.inmaricopa.com/seniors-understanding-finding-resources-for-dementia/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/seniors-understanding-finding-resources-for-dementia/#respondTue, 15 Aug 2017 03:33:10 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=177883 By Joan Koczor Dementia has become a growing concern for many, and its effects are long-reaching. A person suffering from dementia often experiences confusion, problems speaking and inability to focus. Often the family of a person diagnosed with dementia feels a sense of loss. Overnight, it seems, they are robbed of this person and the important part they played in the family dynamic. I am not an expert in this field but have been fortunate to meet those who are through seminars and workshops. The following information comes from Wikipedia.com, MedicineNet.com and persons knowledgeable about this disease. I hope you find it helpful. Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that cause a long-term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember that is great enough to affect a person’s daily functioning. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which makes up 50 to 70 percent of cases. Symptoms include memory loss, word-finding difficulties, impaired judgment and problems with day-to-day activities, which are caused by injury or loss of brain cells (neurons). Increased risk factors for dementia include older age, family history, heavy alcohol use, hardening of arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking. Once the brain cells are injured, they lose their ability to communicate with other cells, leading to dysfunction. The types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia. There is dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease. Senile dementia (“senility”) is a term that was once used to describe all dementias; this term is no longer used as a diagnosis. The stages of dementia: Stage 1: No impairment – The patient has no problems. Stage 2: Questionable impairment – The patient begins to have some difficulty but can still function independently. Stage 3: Mild impairment – The patient has obvious but still mild difficulty with daily activities. Stage 4: Moderate impairment – The patient needs help caring for themselves. There is help out there. Pinal Gila Council for Seniors is in Casa Grande. Caliche Senior Living in Casa Grande has an Adult Day Care Club that provides a necessary respite for caregivers as well as providing a safe environment for their loved one. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is in Phoenix with more resources. This is just a sample of the help that is available. Joan Koczor is an advocate for Maricopa seniors and a member of the Age-Friendly Maricopa Advisory Committee. This column appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.]]>

By Joan Koczor

Dementia has become a growing concern for many, and its effects are long-reaching.

Joan Koczor

A person suffering from dementia often experiences confusion, problems speaking and inability to focus. Often the family of a person diagnosed with dementia feels a sense of loss. Overnight, it seems, they are robbed of this person and the important part they played in the family dynamic.

I am not an expert in this field but have been fortunate to meet those who are through seminars and workshops.

The following information comes from Wikipedia.com, MedicineNet.com and persons knowledgeable about this disease. I hope you find it helpful.

Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that cause a long-term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember that is great enough to affect a person’s daily functioning. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which makes up 50 to 70 percent of cases.

Symptoms include memory loss, word-finding difficulties, impaired judgment and problems with day-to-day activities, which are caused by injury or loss of brain cells (neurons). Increased risk factors for dementia include older age, family history, heavy alcohol use, hardening of arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking.

Once the brain cells are injured, they lose their ability to communicate with other cells, leading to dysfunction.

The types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia. There is dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease. Senile dementia (“senility”) is a term that was once used to describe all dementias; this term is no longer used as a diagnosis.

The stages of dementia:

Stage 1: No impairment – The patient has no problems.

Stage 2: Questionable impairment – The patient begins to have some difficulty but can still function independently.

Stage 3: Mild impairment – The patient has obvious but still mild difficulty with daily activities.

There is help out there. Pinal Gila Council for Seniors is in Casa Grande. Caliche Senior Living in Casa Grande has an Adult Day Care Club that provides a necessary respite for caregivers as well as providing a safe environment for their loved one. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is in Phoenix with more resources.

This is just a sample of the help that is available.

Joan Koczor is an advocate for Maricopa seniors and a member of the Age-Friendly Maricopa Advisory Committee.

This column appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.

]]>http://www.inmaricopa.com/seniors-understanding-finding-resources-for-dementia/feed/0
inMaricopa Letter: Scouts made the most of their summer in great outdoorshttp://www.inmaricopa.com/letter-scouts-made-the-most-of-their-summer-in-great-outdoors/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/letter-scouts-made-the-most-of-their-summer-in-great-outdoors/#respondTue, 15 Aug 2017 02:25:57 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=177420By Gerry Hahn What Did You Do This Summer? The question that nearly every parent and teacher asks their children as they go back to school. Some will have hopefully taken part in city programs, or even ventured over to the pool at Copper Sky. But for many, unfortunately, due to the temperatures and weather here in Maricopa, most of our outdoor activities and options are limited, and will answer “stayed inside,” “watched movies,” “Xbox,” and so on. But, if you were part of the Boy Scouts here in Maricopa, your options were greatly increased. What many don’t know is that the Boy Scouts is not just a camping and hiking organization for boys anymore. The Scouts have opened its doors to youth of many ages, including girls ages 14–20. That’s right, boys and girls of all ages this summer with the Scouts were able to expand their horizons and venture off to some pretty amazing activities and locations. The youngest group – Cub Scouts from Pack 997 – took to the foothills of Phoenix and enjoyed Day Camp (actually afternoon/evening camp), where they swam, did craft activities, obstacle courses, BB-guns, archery and more to have fun with other kids in the outdoors under the early evening skies and cool mist sprinklers and pool. Keeping these young ones active, keeping them cool by keeping them wet and promoting fun and games, is something to break-up the summer monotony of being inside, or watching TV. From water-balloon fights to obstacle courses, these kids enjoyed a part of their summer they will remember for a long time. Some of the older boys and young men ventured further out. Troop 993 had several activities and options this summer. Some older boys enjoyed spending their summer both “working” and “playing” off the coast of Los Angeles on Catalina Island. As camp staffers, ocean kayaking, paddle-boards, mountain biking and more were all part of their adventures outside Maricopa’s blazing heat. And being over the age 16, they even got paid – all in the name of fun and Scouting. Another group from Troop 993 spent a week at our traditional Boy Scout Summer Camp north of Payson, in the shadows of the Mogollon Rim. Temperatures lower than in the valley made it more comfortable – especially at night, and the boys enjoyed activities such as swimming, horseback riding, muzzle-loading muskets, rifle shooting, climbing and archery, just to name a few. Nights were filled with astronomy and hikes, games and fun. It’s always more fulfilling when you can go away and have fun and get something out of it too. The boys earned badges and rank advancement along the way. Further still was another group from Troop 993 who visited another Scout Camp atop Mt. Lemon outside Tucson for some incredible weather at nearly 7,000-foot elevation. Doing much of the same activities as the group outside Payson, these young men were broadening their horizons by visiting a new place with new friends and new adventures. Some highlights for their summer included friendly sporting competitions, poolside activities and cool summer nights. Yet the most adventurous group were the oldest of the scouts from Troop 993 and members of Venture Crew 2993 – which is the coed program with young men and women ages 14-20. This group got to travel off to the north and western reaches of Ontario, Canada, for eight days for a kayaking trek in the beautiful mountains and vast waters up north. The group kayaked and camped in some of the most scenic areas our Scouts have ventured to yet, including seeing beautiful scenery, wildlife in its’ natural habitat, historic landmarks, and meeting folks from all over North America. While enjoying temperatures that dipped 60+ degrees cooler than in Maricopa – into the 40’ at night – we were awed by the sights of wild snapping turtles, American bald eagles, sea otters, beavers and more all in their natural habitat. To celebrate the completion of trekking and kayaking more than 75 miles for the week, the group enjoyed a day at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, before returning home. So when your kids tell you “there’s nothing to do” next time, think of the event-filled summer the Scouting program offers – and that was just our summer. We do activities and adventures like these throughout the year, so come on by and check out this great program. Gerry Hahn is a leader in Troop 993 in Maricopa. Learn more about Scouting at GrandCanyonBSA.org.]]>

By Gerry Hahn

What Did You Do This Summer? The question that nearly every parent and teacher asks their children as they go back to school. Some will have hopefully taken part in city programs, or even ventured over to the pool at Copper Sky. But for many, unfortunately, due to the temperatures and weather here in Maricopa, most of our outdoor activities and options are limited, and will answer “stayed inside,” “watched movies,” “Xbox,” and so on.

But, if you were part of the Boy Scouts here in Maricopa, your options were greatly increased. What many don’t know is that the Boy Scouts is not just a camping and hiking organization for boys anymore. The Scouts have opened its doors to youth of many ages, including girls ages 14–20. That’s right, boys and girls of all ages this summer with the Scouts were able to expand their horizons and venture off to some pretty amazing activities and locations.

The youngest group – Cub Scouts from Pack 997 – took to the foothills of Phoenix and enjoyed Day Camp (actually afternoon/evening camp), where they swam, did craft activities, obstacle courses, BB-guns, archery and more to have fun with other kids in the outdoors under the early evening skies and cool mist sprinklers and pool. Keeping these young ones active, keeping them cool by keeping them wet and promoting fun and games, is something to break-up the summer monotony of being inside, or watching TV. From water-balloon fights to obstacle courses, these kids enjoyed a part of their summer they will remember for a long time.

Some of the older boys and young men ventured further out. Troop 993 had several activities and options this summer. Some older boys enjoyed spending their summer both “working” and “playing” off the coast of Los Angeles on Catalina Island. As camp staffers, ocean kayaking, paddle-boards, mountain biking and more were all part of their adventures outside Maricopa’s blazing heat. And being over the age 16, they even got paid – all in the name of fun and Scouting.

Another group from Troop 993 spent a week at our traditional Boy Scout Summer Camp north of Payson, in the shadows of the Mogollon Rim. Temperatures lower than in the valley made it more comfortable – especially at night, and the boys enjoyed activities such as swimming, horseback riding, muzzle-loading muskets, rifle shooting, climbing and archery, just to name a few. Nights were filled with astronomy and hikes, games and fun. It’s always more fulfilling when you can go away and have fun and get something out of it too. The boys earned badges and rank advancement along the way.

Further still was another group from Troop 993 who visited another Scout Camp atop Mt. Lemon outside Tucson for some incredible weather at nearly 7,000-foot elevation. Doing much of the same activities as the group outside Payson, these young men were broadening their horizons by visiting a new place with new friends and new adventures. Some highlights for their summer included friendly sporting competitions, poolside activities and cool summer nights.

Scout Summer

1 of 10

Archery at Cub Scout Day Camp on South Mtn., Phoenix

Cub Scout Day Camp on South Mtn., Phoenix

The view from the beach at Camp on Catalina Island, off Los Angeles

View from the Hiking Trails at Camp on Catalina Island, off Los Angeles.

Shooting Sports – this one at Camp on Mt. Lemmon, near Tucson

Enjoying a Roller-Coaster at Mall of America

The Center Hall Amusement Park at Minneapolis’ Mall of America

Kayaking in the “Crown Lands” of Western Ontario, Canada

Troop 993 and Venture Crew 2993 at the Canadian Border north of Minnesota.

Cub Scout Activities at Day Camp on South Mtn., Phoenix

Yet the most adventurous group were the oldest of the scouts from Troop 993 and members of Venture Crew 2993 – which is the coed program with young men and women ages 14-20. This group got to travel off to the north and western reaches of Ontario, Canada, for eight days for a kayaking trek in the beautiful mountains and vast waters up north. The group kayaked and camped in some of the most scenic areas our Scouts have ventured to yet, including seeing beautiful scenery, wildlife in its’ natural habitat, historic landmarks, and meeting folks from all over North America.

While enjoying temperatures that dipped 60+ degrees cooler than in Maricopa – into the 40’ at night – we were awed by the sights of wild snapping turtles, American bald eagles, sea otters, beavers and more all in their natural habitat. To celebrate the completion of trekking and kayaking more than 75 miles for the week, the group enjoyed a day at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, before returning home.

So when your kids tell you “there’s nothing to do” next time, think of the event-filled summer the Scouting program offers – and that was just our summer. We do activities and adventures like these throughout the year, so come on by and check out this great program.

Gerry Hahn is a leader in Troop 993 in Maricopa. Learn more about Scouting at GrandCanyonBSA.org.

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inMaricopa Dry week likely to follow weekend downpourhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/dry-week-likely-to-follow-weekend-downpour/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/dry-week-likely-to-follow-weekend-downpour/#respondTue, 15 Aug 2017 01:34:01 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=177295After a wet weekend, skies are likely to dry up around Maricopa, according to the National Weather Service. A breezy start to the week will also likely keep daily highs in the low 100s as any chance of rain avoids the area until next week. Today will likely be sunny and clear with a high around 102 and a nighttime low around 77. Tuesday looks to be sunny and breezy with a 10-20 mph wind out of the southwest, a high around 101 and low near 75. Wednesday should be sunny and clear with a high around 100 and a low near 74. Thursday will likely again be sunny and clear with a high around 102 and a low near 78. Friday looks to be sunny and mostly clear with a high near 102 and a low around 78.]]>

After a wet weekend, skies are likely to dry up around Maricopa, according to the National Weather Service. A breezy start to the week will also likely keep daily highs in the low 100s as any chance of rain avoids the area until next week.

Today will likely be sunny and clear with a high around 102 and a nighttime low around 77.

Tuesday looks to be sunny and breezy with a 10-20 mph wind out of the southwest, a high around 101 and low near 75.

Wednesday should be sunny and clear with a high around 100 and a low near 74.

Thursday will likely again be sunny and clear with a high around 102 and a low near 78.

Friday looks to be sunny and mostly clear with a high near 102 and a low around 78.

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Mason Callejas MHS’s Russoniello named ACTE Teacher of the Yearhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/mhss-russoniello-named-acte-teacher-of-the-year/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/mhss-russoniello-named-acte-teacher-of-the-year/#respondTue, 15 Aug 2017 01:25:17 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=177237At the 42nd annual Arizona Association of Career Technical Educators’ Conference, ACTE AZ awarded Maricopa High School’s marketing teacher, Bernadette Russoniello, Teacher of the Year. Russoniello was honored for her contributions in the classroom, in the student career technical organization DECA, and for her considerable involvement in Career Technical Education Leadership across the state of Arizona. Her list of accomplishments includes growing a state/nationally recognized marketing program with more than 150 members, increasing recruitment and retention in the marketing program, producing more than 100 regional medalists and more than 30 international competitors, establishing community activities and partnerships and standing out as a leader across her field. Russoniello currently serves as the president of the Arizona Marketing Education Association, is a sophomore fellow for ACTE AZ concentrating in counseling and leadership, and is a National DECA certified trainer. Russoniello represents Maricopa Unified presenting at multiple state and national conferences on topics including project-based learning in the business and marketing classroom as well as sharing innovative ideas for program growth and retention.]]>

Russoniello was honored for her contributions in the classroom, in the student career technical organization DECA, and for her considerable involvement in Career Technical Education Leadership across the state of Arizona.

Her list of accomplishments includes growing a state/nationally recognized marketing program with more than 150 members, increasing recruitment and retention in the marketing program, producing more than 100 regional medalists and more than 30 international competitors, establishing community activities and partnerships and standing out as a leader across her field.

Russoniello currently serves as the president of the Arizona Marketing Education Association, is a sophomore fellow for ACTE AZ concentrating in counseling and leadership, and is a National DECA certified trainer. Russoniello represents Maricopa Unified presenting at multiple state and national conferences on topics including project-based learning in the business and marketing classroom as well as sharing innovative ideas for program growth and retention.

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Staff Reports Housing options center of debate at ‘Councilmember on the Corner’ (GALLERY)http://www.inmaricopa.com/housing-options-center-of-debate-at-councilmember-on-the-corner-gallery/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/housing-options-center-of-debate-at-councilmember-on-the-corner-gallery/#respondMon, 14 Aug 2017 20:07:33 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=175430A recent housing study conducted by the city prompted debates online from residents who oppose the idea of multi-family housing in Maricopa. Read the study here Saturday morning, residents continued the discussion during “Councilman on the Corner,” a public forum held regularly by Councilman Henry Wade. “This subject seems to have resonated when I put it out there in Facebook and social media as to a question I posed,” Wade said. “It generated quite a bit of discussion, although that question was quite a small part of what the housing assessment is all about.” Some residents argued the apartment and condominium units would bring down property values and attract crime. “I also value that we have low crime, and that’s partly because of the kind of neighborhood that we have,” said resident Leonard Gonchar. Maricopans who support the idea fired back. “As a retired person, I’m not an undesirable,” said resident Karen Balliet, who said she cannot afford the cost of a single-family home in the city. Balliet said after her husband died, she closed her business and searched for a home in Maricopa near her children and grandchildren. “I was going to have to go to Casa Grande or Chandler to be as close as I could to them,” Balliet said. “But luckily for me, they built a multigenerational home so I could move in with them. That’s the only choice I had.” Maricopa Development Services Director Martin Scribner said besides a few exceptions in Province, a retirement community, Maricopa is dominated by single family housing. Scribner said the city is losing opportunities to attract multi-family housing developers, as well as the renters who would occupy the units. “They have to be making somewhere near $50,000 per year in order to afford the housing here,” Scribner said. City officials said housing and rental costs pose a challenge to not just retirees on a fixed income, but also to young professionals in the infancy of their careers. Patti Coutré, president of the Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board, said the district hired 80 employees for the new school year, many of whom are single and hired within the first five years of teaching. Coutré said the housing costs in Maricopa often drive young educators to live in the Valley and make a long commute to work. “If we can get them living in Maricopa, we have a better chance of retaining them. That’s one of our goals because it does show that our schools will get better if we can retain the employees,” Coutré said. Scribner and Wade reiterated multi-family housing does not necessarily equate to “affordable housing” and the negative conations that often accompany the term. However, Project Manager Kazi Haque said meetings with county agencies and local school districts proved there is also a need for housing for lower-income families as well. “There is a lot of tendency for homelessness, which you don’t see every day,” Haque said. “There is homelessness over here, but it is undercover.” In September, the city will begin work on a housing plan that will set priorities for the future of Maricopa housing.]]>

Saturday morning, residents continued the discussion during “Councilman on the Corner,” a public forum held regularly by Councilman Henry Wade.

“This subject seems to have resonated when I put it out there in Facebook and social media as to a question I posed,” Wade said. “It generated quite a bit of discussion, although that question was quite a small part of what the housing assessment is all about.”

Some residents argued the apartment and condominium units would bring down property values and attract crime.

“I also value that we have low crime, and that’s partly because of the kind of neighborhood that we have,” said resident Leonard Gonchar.

Maricopans who support the idea fired back.

“As a retired person, I’m not an undesirable,” said resident Karen Balliet, who said she cannot afford the cost of a single-family home in the city.

Balliet said after her husband died, she closed her business and searched for a home in Maricopa near her children and grandchildren.

“I was going to have to go to Casa Grande or Chandler to be as close as I could to them,” Balliet said. “But luckily for me, they built a multigenerational home so I could move in with them. That’s the only choice I had.”

Maricopa Development Services Director Martin Scribner said besides a few exceptions in Province, a retirement community, Maricopa is dominated by single family housing.

Scribner said the city is losing opportunities to attract multi-family housing developers, as well as the renters who would occupy the units.

“They have to be making somewhere near $50,000 per year in order to afford the housing here,” Scribner said.

City officials said housing and rental costs pose a challenge to not just retirees on a fixed income, but also to young professionals in the infancy of their careers.

Patti Coutré, president of the Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board, said the district hired 80 employees for the new school year, many of whom are single and hired within the first five years of teaching.

Coutré said the housing costs in Maricopa often drive young educators to live in the Valley and make a long commute to work.

“If we can get them living in Maricopa, we have a better chance of retaining them. That’s one of our goals because it does show that our schools will get better if we can retain the employees,” Coutré said.

Scribner and Wade reiterated multi-family housing does not necessarily equate to “affordable housing” and the negative conations that often accompany the term.

However, Project Manager Kazi Haque said meetings with county agencies and local school districts proved there is also a need for housing for lower-income families as well.

“There is a lot of tendency for homelessness, which you don’t see every day,” Haque said. “There is homelessness over here, but it is undercover.”

In September, the city will begin work on a housing plan that will set priorities for the future of Maricopa housing.

]]>http://www.inmaricopa.com/maricopa-police-department-crime-reports/feed/0
Staff Reports Rams football creating chemistry to prepare for new season (VIDEO)http://www.inmaricopa.com/rams-football-creating-chemistry-to-prepare-for-new-season-video/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/rams-football-creating-chemistry-to-prepare-for-new-season-video/#respondSun, 13 Aug 2017 18:55:36 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=168208 “Overall team speed is better. I think that we’re bigger and stronger than we were last year,” head coach Chris McDonald said of the Maricopa High School football team. The Rams start their season at home Friday at 7 p.m. against Willow Canyon. The team has a new vibe after Maricopa’s first season in 5A Metro left them with a .500 record. The players talk a lot about chemistry, making it an important part of team-building with a mix of veterans, up-and-comers and new faces. “Our chemistry for the team is really good this year,” junior center Jake Meyer said. “We’re all pretty much family-oriented.” “Chemistry is like anything else, it’s got to be developed,” McDonald said. “We do a lot of team-bonding activities. I think the most important part is if the kids understand how it relates to having a better team, which in turn is going to give them a better experience and have a more successful season; if kids buy into that, that’s when it really starts to develop.” The 2017 edition of the Rams is still not the biggest of 5A division teams, but they are quick. Two speedy running backs who made an impact on last year’s squad are returning. Cam Sanders and Kemo Akins are seniors and team captains. In his own way, Sanders has become a virtual spokesman for the team, which is currently studying Willow Canyon. “We’ve been preparing since the beginning of summer,” he said. “That was the only team we had our mind focused on. We take them a week at a time.” The Rams scrimmaged at Notre Dame Prep on Friday. McDonald called it a “vanilla” outing, but it was a chance to get up to game speed. “It wasn’t just JV. That’s another varsity team,” Sanders said. “When I got hit the first time, I was like, ‘Yeah, we’re ready to play. I like it. It feels good.’” While Sanders led the team scoring last season with seven touchdowns, Akins was second in team rushing yards with 283. Senior Taylor Belcher, 6-foot-4, 230-pound linebacker, was also chosen by the team as one of the three permanent captains. Coaches choose a fourth captain for each game. “I feel pretty honored that my team put my name in their votes to name me captain this year and walk out to the coin-flip every game,” Belcher said. Injury caused Maricopa to have rotating quarterbacks in 2016. This season, senior Alec Smith has played his way into the position. Smith moved to Maricopa from Illinois in the middle of his sophomore year, after the football season. Though he had played a little quarterback during spring ball, he wound up as a tight end his junior year. This year during spring ball, he was asked if he wanted to play quarterback again. “I said, ‘Yeah,’ and then it just happened,” Smith said. “I’ve been playing quarterback like my whole life, so I pretty much still had it.” McDonald announced Smith as the Game 1 starter. “It’s his job to lose,” McDonald said. “He’s been with us all off-season and done a great job picking up the offense, and he’s getting better as a leader. [Senior] Devin Parady is a kid that came on late, if you will, in summer and is a kid who’s really started to blossom in pushing Alec, which is only going to make Alec better.” A newcomer drawing notice, and not just for his size, is senior Zion Saole. After playing on an overwhelming, undefeated freshman team in Anchorage, Alaska, Saole moved with his family to Maricopa last fall. “I would have played, but then I would have had to sit out for more than half the season,” said Saole, who is a 6-foot-4 lineman weighing around 330 pounds. “He’s worked his tail off,” coach McDonald said. “He was about 380 pounds when we first got him in January. He’s lost almost 50 pounds. It obviously takes dedication to do that.” Saole is only 16 years old. McDonald said he’s passionate about the game and a “high-character kid.” “The first week of school I had two different teachers already communicate with me what a great role model, what a great leader he’s been in their class,” McDonald said. “So that really speaks volumes about what he’s about. He’s kind of an old soul. He understands the big picture of things.” One thing McDonald learned in the scrimmage was the amount of “mental-mistakes” cleanup that may need to be done. The players know it, too. “We need to work on a lot of improvements, particularly myself,” senior Edward Donaldson said. “I’m also looking to go to college, and I need some scouts to come look at me so I can make it out. We need to work together better as a team, so better communication and better teamwork.” McDonald is also concerned about the health of the team, calling them “banged up.” And while he pined a bit for some “prototypical, old-school throwback, tough football players” from last year’s team, he said this year’s Rams are still pretty tough, and they have an edge. “I think they have a chip on their shoulder. I think they understand what’s ahead of them,” McDonald said. “They want to accomplish something. They want to get over the hump. We’ve always been a game here and a game there short of making the playoffs.” Junior wide receiver Jacob Cowing has his long-term goals set there. “I’m looking forward to making it to the playoffs,” Cowing said. “I think with our team chemistry this year, we can make it happen.” SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Aug. 18 7 p.m. Willow Canyon Aug. 25 7 p.m. @ Paradise Valley Sept. 1 7 p.m. @ Desert View Sept. 8 7 p.m. Centennial Sept. 15 7 p.m. North Canyon [HOMECOMING] Sept. 28 (Thu) 7 p.m. @ Ironwood* Oct. 6 7 p.m. Apollo* Oct. 13 7 p.m. @ Sunnyslope* Oct. 20 7 p.m. @ Kellis* Oct. 27 7 p.m. McClintock* [SENIOR NIGHT] *5A Metro]]>

“Overall team speed is better. I think that we’re bigger and stronger than we were last year,” head coach Chris McDonald said of the Maricopa High School football team.

IF YOU GOWhat: Maricopa High School Rams Football Season OpenerWhen: Aug. 18, 7 p.m.Where: Ram Stadium, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave.

The Rams start their season at home Friday at 7 p.m. against Willow Canyon.

The team has a new vibe after Maricopa’s first season in 5A Metro left them with a .500 record. The players talk a lot about chemistry, making it an important part of team-building with a mix of veterans, up-and-comers and new faces.

“Our chemistry for the team is really good this year,” junior center Jake Meyer said. “We’re all pretty much family-oriented.”

“Chemistry is like anything else, it’s got to be developed,” McDonald said. “We do a lot of team-bonding activities. I think the most important part is if the kids understand how it relates to having a better team, which in turn is going to give them a better experience and have a more successful season; if kids buy into that, that’s when it really starts to develop.”

The 2017 edition of the Rams is still not the biggest of 5A division teams, but they are quick. Two speedy running backs who made an impact on last year’s squad are returning. Cam Sanders and Kemo Akins are seniors and team captains.

In his own way, Sanders has become a virtual spokesman for the team, which is currently studying Willow Canyon.

“We’ve been preparing since the beginning of summer,” he said. “That was the only team we had our mind focused on. We take them a week at a time.”

The Rams scrimmaged at Notre Dame Prep on Friday. McDonald called it a “vanilla” outing, but it was a chance to get up to game speed.

“It wasn’t just JV. That’s another varsity team,” Sanders said. “When I got hit the first time, I was like, ‘Yeah, we’re ready to play. I like it. It feels good.’”

While Sanders led the team scoring last season with seven touchdowns, Akins was second in team rushing yards with 283.

Senior Taylor Belcher, 6-foot-4, 230-pound linebacker, was also chosen by the team as one of the three permanent captains. Coaches choose a fourth captain for each game.

“I feel pretty honored that my team put my name in their votes to name me captain this year and walk out to the coin-flip every game,” Belcher said.

Injury caused Maricopa to have rotating quarterbacks in 2016. This season, senior Alec Smith has played his way into the position. Smith moved to Maricopa from Illinois in the middle of his sophomore year, after the football season. Though he had played a little quarterback during spring ball, he wound up as a tight end his junior year.

This year during spring ball, he was asked if he wanted to play quarterback again.

“I said, ‘Yeah,’ and then it just happened,” Smith said. “I’ve been playing quarterback like my whole life, so I pretty much still had it.”

Game 1 quarterback is scheduled to be senior Alec Smith.

McDonald announced Smith as the Game 1 starter.

“It’s his job to lose,” McDonald said. “He’s been with us all off-season and done a great job picking up the offense, and he’s getting better as a leader. [Senior] Devin Parady is a kid that came on late, if you will, in summer and is a kid who’s really started to blossom in pushing Alec, which is only going to make Alec better.”

A newcomer drawing notice, and not just for his size, is senior Zion Saole. After playing on an overwhelming, undefeated freshman team in Anchorage, Alaska, Saole moved with his family to Maricopa last fall.

“I would have played, but then I would have had to sit out for more than half the season,” said Saole, who is a 6-foot-4 lineman weighing around 330 pounds.

“He’s worked his tail off,” coach McDonald said. “He was about 380 pounds when we first got him in January. He’s lost almost 50 pounds. It obviously takes dedication to do that.”

Saole is only 16 years old.

McDonald said he’s passionate about the game and a “high-character kid.”

“The first week of school I had two different teachers already communicate with me what a great role model, what a great leader he’s been in their class,” McDonald said. “So that really speaks volumes about what he’s about. He’s kind of an old soul. He understands the big picture of things.”

One thing McDonald learned in the scrimmage was the amount of “mental-mistakes” cleanup that may need to be done. The players know it, too.

“We need to work on a lot of improvements, particularly myself,” senior Edward Donaldson said. “I’m also looking to go to college, and I need some scouts to come look at me so I can make it out. We need to work together better as a team, so better communication and better teamwork.”

McDonald is also concerned about the health of the team, calling them “banged up.” And while he pined a bit for some “prototypical, old-school throwback, tough football players” from last year’s team, he said this year’s Rams are still pretty tough, and they have an edge.

“I think they have a chip on their shoulder. I think they understand what’s ahead of them,” McDonald said. “They want to accomplish something. They want to get over the hump. We’ve always been a game here and a game there short of making the playoffs.”

Junior wide receiver Jacob Cowing has his long-term goals set there.

“I’m looking forward to making it to the playoffs,” Cowing said. “I think with our team chemistry this year, we can make it happen.”

SCHEDULE

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Aug. 18 7 p.m. Willow Canyon

Aug. 25 7 p.m. @ Paradise Valley

Sept. 1 7 p.m. @ Desert View

Sept. 8 7 p.m. Centennial

Sept. 15 7 p.m. North Canyon [HOMECOMING]

Sept. 28 (Thu) 7 p.m. @ Ironwood*

Oct. 6 7 p.m. Apollo*

Oct. 13 7 p.m. @ Sunnyslope*

Oct. 20 7 p.m. @ Kellis*

Oct. 27 7 p.m. McClintock* [SENIOR NIGHT]

*5A Metro

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Raquel Hendrickson What’s happening this week in Maricopa (VIDEO)http://www.inmaricopa.com/whats-happening-this-week-in-maricopa-77/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/whats-happening-this-week-in-maricopa-77/#respondSun, 13 Aug 2017 17:46:28 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=167956An interesting mix of activities, from a trip to OdySea to a Shark Tank-style business-pitch competition, are in store this week. Below, members of the Maricopa High School varsity football team invite the community out to the home opener. For details on these and other listings, or to add your own, visit http://www.InMaricopa.com/Calendar/ MONDAY A Ray of Hope meeting of Narcotics Anonymous is at 7 p.m. at Maricopa Community Church, 44977 W. Hathaway Ave. TUESDAY Trip to OdySea Aquarium leaves at 9 a.m. from Copper Sky Multigenerational Center, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Coffee with Friends of the Maricopa Library is at 1:30 p.m. at Maricopa Public Library, 41600 W. Smith-Enke Road. Celebrate Recovery Coffee & Karaoke is at 5 p.m. at Maricopa Community Church, 44977 W. Hathaway Ave. City Council Work Session starts at 6 p.m. at Maricopa City Hall, 39700 W. Civic Center Plaza. City Council Regular Session is at 7 p.m. at Maricopa City Hall, 39700 W. Civic Center Plaza. WEDNESDAY Lapsit for ages 0-12 is at 9 a.m. at Maricopa Public Library, 41600 W. Smith-Enke Road. Harrah’s Club 777 Toastmasters meet at 3 p.m. at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 Maricopa Road. Maricopa Police Explorer Post Meeting is at 5 p.m. at Maricopa High School, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave. THURSDAY Movers & Shakers for ages 1-2 years is at 9 a.m. at Maricopa Public Library, 41600 W. Smith-Enke Road. Li’l Explorers for ages 2-3 years is at 10 a.m. at Maricopa Public Library, 41600 W. Smith-Enke Road. A Ray of Hope meeting of Narcotics Anonymous is at 7 p.m. at Ak-Chin Social Services, 48227 W. Farrell Road. FRIDAY Maricopa Entrepreneur Pitch Pre-Competition Q&A Session is at 6 p.m. at Elements Event Center at Ak Chin Circle, 16000 N. Maricopa Road. Strength & Hope Al-Anon Meeting is at 7 p.m. at Community of Hope Church, 45295 W. Honeycutt Ave. Maricopa Rams Football Home Opener is at 7 p.m. at Ram Stadium – Maricopa High School, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave. SATURDAY Maricopa Entrepreneur Pitch Competition is at 11:30 a.m. at Elements Event Center at Ak-Chin Circle, 16000 N. Maricopa Road. SUNDAY A Ray of Hope meeting of Narcotics Anonymous is at 7 p.m. at Maricopa Community Church, 44977 W. Hathaway Ave.]]>

An interesting mix of activities, from a trip to OdySea to a Shark Tank-style business-pitch competition, are in store this week. Below, members of the Maricopa High School varsity football team invite the community out to the home opener. For details on these and other listings, or to add your own, visit http://www.InMaricopa.com/Calendar/

MONDAY

A Ray of Hope meeting of Narcotics Anonymous is at 7 p.m. at Maricopa Community Church, 44977 W. Hathaway Ave.

A Ray of Hope meeting of Narcotics Anonymous is at 7 p.m. at Maricopa Community Church, 44977 W. Hathaway Ave.

]]>http://www.inmaricopa.com/whats-happening-this-week-in-maricopa-77/feed/0
Staff Reports MUSD investigates another million-dollar curriculumhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/musd-investigates-another-million-dollar-curriculum/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/musd-investigates-another-million-dollar-curriculum/#commentsSat, 12 Aug 2017 02:51:33 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=157965After approving a million-dollar-math curriculum in May, the Maricopa Unified School District is in talks of adopting a new English Language Arts platform by the end of the school year. The ELA curriculum comes at an estimated $1.5 million price tag, according to a presentation at the MUSD governing board meeting Wednesday night. “We feel that the ELA adoption will be a little more than the math (curriculum) just because of the supplementals and the resources that go into it,” said Krista Roden, director of teaching and learning. In May, MUSD paid just over $1 million for new math curriculum using reserve funds. Director of Curriculum and Instruction Wade Watson said, like the math platform, the ELA curriculum would span kindergarten through 12th grade. It’s also hoped it will boost test scores. “We want to expose students to the material in the fashion that they see it on the test, so it’s not this brand-new experience for them,” Watson said. The Roden and Watson curriculum team will be back at MUSD’s meeting on Aug. 23 to hear if the board will grant them permission to begin researching ELA curriculum vendors. If approved, a new ELA platform could be adopted by April – the first time since 2004.]]>

After approving a million-dollar-math curriculum in May, the Maricopa Unified School District is in talks of adopting a new English Language Arts platform by the end of the school year.

The ELA curriculum comes at an estimated $1.5 million price tag, according to a presentation at the MUSD governing board meeting Wednesday night.

“We feel that the ELA adoption will be a little more than the math (curriculum) just because of the supplementals and the resources that go into it,” said Krista Roden, director of teaching and learning.

In May, MUSD paid just over $1 million for new math curriculum using reserve funds.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Wade Watson said, like the math platform, the ELA curriculum would span kindergarten through 12th grade. It’s also hoped it will boost test scores.

“We want to expose students to the material in the fashion that they see it on the test, so it’s not this brand-new experience for them,” Watson said.

The Roden and Watson curriculum team will be back at MUSD’s meeting on Aug. 23 to hear if the board will grant them permission to begin researching ELA curriculum vendors.

If approved, a new ELA platform could be adopted by April – the first time since 2004.

]]>http://www.inmaricopa.com/musd-investigates-another-million-dollar-curriculum/feed/1
Michelle Chance Opioid addiction spotlighted in police presentationhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/opioid-addiction-spotlighted/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/opioid-addiction-spotlighted/#respondSat, 12 Aug 2017 02:35:26 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=157863Eighty percent of heroin users start with addictions to prescription medication. Maricopa Police Department, in cooperation with the Be Awesome Youth Coalition, hosted a presentation Thursday about the effects of the “opioid epidemic” in Arizona, and across the country. Ted Huntington with the ICAN Arizona organization led the presentation, which focused on identifying opioid addiction and mitigating the role of prescription pain medication in perpetuating what Gov. Doug Ducey has labeled a “crisis.” MPD Chief Stahl said so far, the epidemic has yet to impact Maricopa the way it has in other parts of the state. With the help of presentations like Thursday’s, he wants to keep it that way. “We’re fortunately behind the curve,” Stahl said at the presentation. “And we want to stay behind the curve.” In 2017, between June. 1 and Aug. 8, Arizona saw 206 suspected opioid related deaths, 1,417 suspected opioid related overdoses, 105 babies born exposed to opioids, 1,071 doses of the opioid antagonist Naloxone (Narcan) administered and 1,045 overdose victims were revived. John Koch, a reformed addict turned advocate who spoke at the presentation, said the actual numbers are much higher. Koch works with several organizations which help distribute Naloxone. The data they keep, he said, shows a need for greater access to the lifesaving drug. Currently, he said, pharmacies have a “standing order” for Naloxone which can now be purchased over the counter. For those who don’t have insurance and cannot afford the $30-$65 cost, he said, an organization he works with called Sonoran Prevention Works will deliver Naloxone, and teach how to properly administer the drug, free of charge.]]>

Maricopa Police Department, in cooperation with the Be Awesome Youth Coalition, hosted a presentation Thursday about the effects of the “opioid epidemic” in Arizona, and across the country.

Ted Huntington with the ICAN Arizona organization led the presentation, which focused on identifying opioid addiction and mitigating the role of prescription pain medication in perpetuating what Gov. Doug Ducey has labeled a “crisis.”

MPD Chief Stahl said so far, the epidemic has yet to impact Maricopa the way it has in other parts of the state. With the help of presentations like Thursday’s, he wants to keep it that way.

“We’re fortunately behind the curve,” Stahl said at the presentation. “And we want to stay behind the curve.”

John Koch, a reformed addict turned advocate who spoke at the presentation, said the actual numbers are much higher.

Koch works with several organizations which help distribute Naloxone. The data they keep, he said, shows a need for greater access to the lifesaving drug.

Currently, he said, pharmacies have a “standing order” for Naloxone which can now be purchased over the counter. For those who don’t have insurance and cannot afford the $30-$65 cost, he said, an organization he works with called Sonoran Prevention Works will deliver Naloxone, and teach how to properly administer the drug, free of charge.

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Mason Callejas ‘Invaluable asset’ promoted at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casinohttp://www.inmaricopa.com/invaluable-asset-promoted-at-harrahs-ak-chin-casino/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/invaluable-asset-promoted-at-harrahs-ak-chin-casino/#respondSat, 12 Aug 2017 00:14:11 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=157252Christine Todd of Maricopa has been promoted to business process improvement (BPI) site leader at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. The BPI program works to eliminate waste and variability within everyday processes. Todd brings more than a decade of casino operations experience. Prior to her promotion, she worked and demonstrated strong leadership as the Harrah’s Development System (HDS) associate, a program designed to provide employment opportunities for members of the Ak-Chin Indian Community into key areas of the casino entertainment industry. “Christine has been an invaluable asset to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, demonstrating her devotion to better our workplace that extends well past her job description,” said Robert Livingston, regional president and general manager. “In addition to her successes with the HDS program, Christine led the property to back-to-back first place finishes within Caesars’ companywide Breast Cancer Awareness Challenge and a record-breaking United Way campaign in 2016.” Todd recently received a Caesars Award of Excellence. This item appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.]]>

Christine Todd of Maricopa has been promoted to business process improvement (BPI) site leader at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. The BPI program works to eliminate waste and variability within everyday processes.

Todd brings more than a decade of casino operations experience. Prior to her promotion, she worked and demonstrated strong leadership as the Harrah’s Development System (HDS) associate, a program designed to provide employment opportunities for members of the Ak-Chin Indian Community into key areas of the casino entertainment industry.

“Christine has been an invaluable asset to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, demonstrating her devotion to better our workplace that extends well past her job description,” said Robert Livingston, regional president and general manager. “In addition to her successes with the HDS program, Christine led the property to back-to-back first place finishes within Caesars’ companywide Breast Cancer Awareness Challenge and a record-breaking United Way campaign in 2016.”

Todd recently received a Caesars Award of Excellence.

This item appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.

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Staff Reports City looks at appealing court decision, Apex ‘100% committed’http://www.inmaricopa.com/city-looks-at-appealing-court-decision-apex-100-committed/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/city-looks-at-appealing-court-decision-apex-100-committed/#respondFri, 11 Aug 2017 23:46:15 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=157098Parties involved in a lawsuit against the City of Maricopa and planned private racetrack Apex Motor Club offered their opinions Thursday about the recent court ruling against the City. Representatives from Apex’s parent company, Private Motorsports Group, and the City both expressed frustration with the Pinal County Court ruling. Neither was overly discouraged. Mayor Christian Price said the city is moving forward and will consider every legal option available. “I think certainly we’re disappointed, but we’ll look at our options, including appeal,” Price said. Wednesday, Judge Robert Olson ruled the City’s action in approving a conditional use permit for Apex was legislative and not administrative and, therefore, subject to referendum. If necessary, the election is in November and is mail-in, with the ballot issue labeled Prop. 418. The city is taking a cautious approach, preparing for the worst but hoping for the best, Price said. Their plan is to simultaneously initiate and follow the appeal process while they also prepare for the election. “We’re doing both at the same time so we’ll be in compliance either way,” Price said. Price further expressed frustration with the ideological contradictions of the organization that filed the suit – Maricopa Citizens Protecting Taxpayers. “It’s terribly ironic and frankly I think it’s a little deceptive to the Maricopa citizen and to the voting public,” Price said. “I think it’s unfortunate that they’re going to pretend that they’re protecting the taxpayers in one fashion, but then spend upwards of $30,000 [on an election] that the taxpayer, by law, has to pay for.” Public support for the Apex project has been seen on social media despite the lawsuits. During public hearings prior to the City’s issuing of the questioned permit, very few individuals spoke against the project. Apex Vice President Matt Williams said a judgment like this was always a possibility and they are prepared to take the appropriate legal actions that will ensure the success of the project. The City of Maricopa has shown APEX overwhelming support, he said, and this ruling has not swayed them in the slightest. “The one thing we’re confident of is our support from the city,” Williams said. “And we are 100 percent committed to seeing this through in Maricopa.” Wednesday’s court ruling won’t automatically direct the matter to a referendum. Instead, it only overturns the city’s denial of the plaintiff’s Petition for Referendum, ordering the City Clerk’s Office to forward the petitions to the Pinal County Recorder. A 5-percent “random sample” of the signatures will be verified, and, depending on the outcome, the county will decide whether the matter will move to the ballot. A second lawsuit was recently filed against the City and PMG, this time by Maricopa resident Bonita Burks. The lawsuit cites much of what is in the previous suit, though it further challenges an ordinance (17-07) created by the city in response to MCPT’s petition for referendum. If forced to a referendum, the ordinance says the matter must be directed to the soonest possible election. That ordinance puts the pending election on the Apex matter this year rather than November 2018. Hearing dates have not yet been scheduled for the second suit. Neither MCPT President Robert Rebich nor Burks has returned requests for comment.]]>

Parties involved in a lawsuit against the City of Maricopa and planned private racetrack Apex Motor Club offered their opinions Thursday about the recent court ruling against the City.

Representatives from Apex’s parent company, Private Motorsports Group, and the City both expressed frustration with the Pinal County Court ruling. Neither was overly discouraged.

Mayor Christian Price said the city is moving forward and will consider every legal option available.

Wednesday, Judge Robert Olson ruled the City’s action in approving a conditional use permit for Apex was legislative and not administrative and, therefore, subject to referendum. If necessary, the election is in November and is mail-in, with the ballot issue labeled Prop. 418.

The city is taking a cautious approach, preparing for the worst but hoping for the best, Price said. Their plan is to simultaneously initiate and follow the appeal process while they also prepare for the election.

“We’re doing both at the same time so we’ll be in compliance either way,” Price said.

Price further expressed frustration with the ideological contradictions of the organization that filed the suit – Maricopa Citizens Protecting Taxpayers.

“It’s terribly ironic and frankly I think it’s a little deceptive to the Maricopa citizen and to the voting public,” Price said. “I think it’s unfortunate that they’re going to pretend that they’re protecting the taxpayers in one fashion, but then spend upwards of $30,000 [on an election] that the taxpayer, by law, has to pay for.”

Public support for the Apex project has been seen on social media despite the lawsuits. During public hearings prior to the City’s issuing of the questioned permit, very few individuals spoke against the project.

Apex Vice President Matt Williams said a judgment like this was always a possibility and they are prepared to take the appropriate legal actions that will ensure the success of the project. The City of Maricopa has shown APEX overwhelming support, he said, and this ruling has not swayed them in the slightest.

“The one thing we’re confident of is our support from the city,” Williams said. “And we are 100 percent committed to seeing this through in Maricopa.”

Wednesday’s court ruling won’t automatically direct the matter to a referendum. Instead, it only overturns the city’s denial of the plaintiff’s Petition for Referendum, ordering the City Clerk’s Office to forward the petitions to the Pinal County Recorder. A 5-percent “random sample” of the signatures will be verified, and, depending on the outcome, the county will decide whether the matter will move to the ballot.

A second lawsuit was recently filed against the City and PMG, this time by Maricopa resident Bonita Burks.

The lawsuit cites much of what is in the previous suit, though it further challenges an ordinance (17-07) created by the city in response to MCPT’s petition for referendum. If forced to a referendum, the ordinance says the matter must be directed to the soonest possible election. That ordinance puts the pending election on the Apex matter this year rather than November 2018.

Hearing dates have not yet been scheduled for the second suit.

Neither MCPT President Robert Rebich nor Burks has returned requests for comment.

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Staff Reports Few Maricopa eateries inspected last monthhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/few-maricopa-eateries-inspected-last-month/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/few-maricopa-eateries-inspected-last-month/#respondFri, 11 Aug 2017 20:22:32 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=156030Only three dining establishments in Maricopa were inspected by the Pinal County Health Department between June 16 and July 15. All three received excellent marks. Those inspected included a coffee shop, a fast-food restaurant and a new restaurant that opened on Highway 84 near the junction with Interstate 8. EXCELLENT [No violations] Rock Garden Café KFC Crate Enterprises SATISFACTORY [Violations corrected during inspection or immediately after] None NEEDS IMPROVEMENT [Critical items noted during inspection cannot be corrected immediately] None UNACCEPTABLE [Gross, unsanitary conditions necessitating the discontinuation of operation] None This item appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.]]>

Only three dining establishments in Maricopa were inspected by the Pinal County Health Department between June 16 and July 15. All three received excellent marks.

Those inspected included a coffee shop, a fast-food restaurant and a new restaurant that opened on Highway 84 near the junction with Interstate 8.

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inMaricopa Selection of general contractor for overpass pending this monthhttp://www.inmaricopa.com/selection-of-general-contractor-for-overpass-pending-this-month/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/selection-of-general-contractor-for-overpass-pending-this-month/#respondFri, 11 Aug 2017 03:11:32 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=151566The Union Pacific Railroad overpass has a budget, properties have been purchased and a path is being cleared. Now, the project needs a general contractor. Arizona Department of Transportation sent the project out to bid in June. The State Transportation Board expects to open the bids on Aug. 25. The bridge is budgeted for $37.3 million and will carry traffic on State Route 347 across the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The entire project, including property acquisition, street realignments and building demolitions, was estimated to cost $55 million. Receiving $15 million from a federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant, $14 million from the City of Maricopa and another $1 million from Union Pacific Railroad, Global Water Resources and Maricopa Domestic Water Improvement District combined, ADOT was able to decrease its own budget for the overpass construction. The state will now pay $6.9 million, returning $4.8 million to its Statewide Contingency Fund. Breinholt Contracting Company razed three residences in July on a $28,000 contract. Also, in a continuing effort to eradicate possible blight in the same area of the Heritage District, the city razed three other buildings after agreements were struck with the owners. This story appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.]]>

The Union Pacific Railroad overpass has a budget, properties have been purchased and a path is being cleared. Now, the project needs a general contractor.

Arizona Department of Transportation sent the project out to bid in June. The State Transportation Board expects to open the bids on Aug. 25.

The bridge is budgeted for $37.3 million and will carry traffic on State Route 347 across the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The entire project, including property acquisition, street realignments and building demolitions, was estimated to cost $55 million.

Receiving $15 million from a federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant, $14 million from the City of Maricopa and another $1 million from Union Pacific Railroad, Global Water Resources and Maricopa Domestic Water Improvement District combined, ADOT was able to decrease its own budget for the overpass construction. The state will now pay $6.9 million, returning $4.8 million to its Statewide Contingency Fund.

Also, in a continuing effort to eradicate possible blight in the same area of the Heritage District, the city razed three other buildings after agreements were struck with the owners.

This story appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.

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inMaricopa Realtor: Know your real home valueshttp://www.inmaricopa.com/realtor-know-your-real-home-values/
http://www.inmaricopa.com/realtor-know-your-real-home-values/#respondFri, 11 Aug 2017 03:00:39 +0000http://www.inmaricopa.com/?p=151524By Jeremy Winegard If you own a home, you’ve probably been curious as to what your home is really worth. After all, it’s the biggest purchase you’ll probably make in your life. So, you hop on to Zillow and you get their “Zestimate” and now you know, right? Not so fast. Zillow, along with a host of other online Automated Valuation Models (AVMs), are based on algorithms that look for correlations between property data and calculate a value based on that information. Simply put, this algorithm allows visitors to quickly find a home value estimate by just searching an address. While that’s all well and good, the calculations don’t take into account everything that a true Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) would. For example, what about that $30,000 backyard that you had put in? The $15,000 in upgrades you made in the kitchen? And the unique size or location of your lot? Probably most importantly, how does your home compare to a similar home in your neighborhood that has actually sold? “Zestimates” and other AVMs don’t really dig into those facts. But a CMA that’s put together by a Realtor will. To get an in-depth understanding of what your home’s true value is, and what the market will actually bear, you should contact a Realtor who can put together a CMA that is customized for your home. This gives you the best, most detailed and most accurate valuation based on all of the facts of the property. And when you decide to sell, basing your list price suggested by the CMA greatly increases the odds that the buyer’s appraisal will support your asking price. Remember, if an appraisal comes in lower than the asking price, the bank will not make the loan. If you’re curious about your home’s value, whether you’re looking to sell right away or not, feel free to contact me. People are genuinely curious about their home’s value, and I’m more than happy to help them get the facts they need. Jeremy Winegard is a Realtor and accredited buyer’s representative with Revelation Real Estate. This column appears in the August issue of InMaricopa.]]>

By Jeremy Winegard

If you own a home, you’ve probably been curious as to what your home is really worth. After all, it’s the biggest purchase you’ll probably make in your life. So, you hop on to Zillow and you get their “Zestimate” and now you know, right? Not so fast.

Zillow, along with a host of other online Automated Valuation Models (AVMs), are based on algorithms that look for correlations between property data and calculate a value based on that information. Simply put, this algorithm allows visitors to quickly find a home value estimate by just searching an address.

While that’s all well and good, the calculations don’t take into account everything that a true Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) would. For example, what about that $30,000 backyard that you had put in? The $15,000 in upgrades you made in the kitchen? And the unique size or location of your lot? Probably most importantly, how does your home compare to a similar home in your neighborhood that has actually sold?

“Zestimates” and other AVMs don’t really dig into those facts. But a CMA that’s put together by a Realtor will.

To get an in-depth understanding of what your home’s true value is, and what the market will actually bear, you should contact a Realtor who can put together a CMA that is customized for your home. This gives you the best, most detailed and most accurate valuation based on all of the facts of the property.

And when you decide to sell, basing your list price suggested by the CMA greatly increases the odds that the buyer’s appraisal will support your asking price. Remember, if an appraisal comes in lower than the asking price, the bank will not make the loan.

If you’re curious about your home’s value, whether you’re looking to sell right away or not, feel free to contact me. People are genuinely curious about their home’s value, and I’m more than happy to help them get the facts they need.

Jeremy Winegard is a Realtor and accredited buyer’s representative with Revelation Real Estate.